What baseline and ongoing testing do you recommend for patients with PMR who are going to be on a prolonged steroid taper?

My answer below is specific to patients with a definite diagnosis of PMR and does not necessarily cover diagnostic testing such as evaluation for possible mimics, which is certainly important and should include infections and malignancy in main differential, or other rheumatic diseases (RA, GCA).

Va...

When evaluating a new patient for PMR, the basic lab panel should include CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP RF, and CCP. In some cases, TSH and vitamin D levels might be warranted. A lipid profile should also be considered. Serum CK and aldolase are rarely required. Serum glucose levels can determine whether A1C m...